Sonavision and SMD Hydrovision have reached agreement for Sonavision to take over maintenance, service and spares of the Hyball ROV system for its Hyball customer base.

The iconic Hyball all electric ROV was introduced by Hydrovision Ltd of Aberdeen in the 1990’s and has been used for many years in a variety of roles including offshore inspection in the oil and gas industry, harbour, dam and ship maintenance, ROV pilot training and biological and environmental survey. An upgrade “offshore” version was introduced and in total around 200 systems have been manufactured. Although manufacturing stopped in 2003, a strong customer base remains committed to the Hyball ROV systems.

Sonavision will, under licence, offer spares, maintenance and support services for the Hyball systems from their Aberdeen base. SMD Hydrovision’s parts stock, dedicated tooling and test equipment is transferred to Sonavision’s Aberdeen base under the agreement.

SMD Hydrovision commented “SMD Hydrovision have developed a range of high quality work class ROV’s, and with order levels at unprecedented heights sought an arrangement which allowed a smaller OEM the opportunity to provide the support and service required by the existing Hyball customers. We believe that the arrangement with Sonavision will provide these customers with an excellent level of service”.

Sonavision Ltd commented “Sonavision are focussed on design, manufacture and service of underwater sensors and not only will this allow us to expand into provision of service for ROV users of the vehicle itself, but it will provide a new customer base for our ever-expanding range of ROV mounting sensors.”